Sony HDR-AX2000

[Ryan Schwartz]

Hi,

I was looking at purchasing a prosumer camcorder for recording storms and flooding. Specifically, I was looking at an AVCHD tapeless system and this Sony HDR-AX2000 model. My search here didn't provide much insight, so I'm asking if anyone has any experience using this camera or would it be good for filming nature's fury?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671535-REG/Sony_HDRAX2000_H_HDR_AX2000_AVCHD_Camcorder.html

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Chris C Sanner]

Hi,

I was looking at purchasing a prosumer camcorder for recording storms and flooding. Specifically, I was looking at an AVCHD tapeless system and this Sony HDR-AX2000 model. My search here didn't provide much insight, so I'm asking if anyone has any experience using this camera or would it be good for filming nature's fury?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671535-REG/Sony_HDRAX2000_H_HDR_AX2000_AVCHD_Camcorder.html

Thanks,
Ryan

Ryan,

Check out this blog post I made today about this very subject.

http://tornadotitans.com/blog/files/storm_chasers_what_camera.html

Basically the lesson is: if you aren't planning on investing into pro (or even prosumer) equipment by upgrading your whole package, you should save the money. Lots of guys buy these cams and stick them on full auto and then edit the footage in something like Premiere Elements. That's fine -- but they're getting the same level of quality as a higher end consumer cam. It's fine if that's what they like BUT it just seems a waste to me

As always what you decide should be what you feel is best -- but as my blog says, just think about this on a practical level first before spending A LOT of money.

EDIT: As far as the AX2000 goes, spend the extra money ($500 or so?) on the NX5 because the AX2000 only shoots 60i and has limited manual controls. It's a lot of money for a camera with functions which are only slightly better than a consumer cam. It's like a bad middle child between a consumer cam's lack of customization but a professional cameras optics -- but without the controls those optics are wasted somewhat.

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

Excellent blog post, Chris. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

 

[Walt VanRheen]

I have had the NX5 for a year now. We love this camera, and the feature with the built in GPS is amazing. No longer do we ask ourselves, where did we shoot that? I also have the FMU which allows for 11 hours of the best resolution video. Best of all, I can download 11 hours of video in approx. 75 minutes. That would have taken 11 hours on tape. This is an amazing camera. Ryan, if your going that far, go all the way.

 

[Cody Clair]

Have you decided on a camera Ryan?